Urban stormwater improvements occurring

Published on 19 June 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council has started work to improve its urban stormwater network to reduce the risk of future flash flooding.

Council identified more than 40 projects that will reduce pressure on urban stormwater networks at Cohuna, Kerang, Koondrook, Murrabit and Quambatook, using data collected following flash flooding that impacted the municipality in late December 2023 and early January 2024.

“Council has invested in upgrading stormwater pumps and regular maintenance over many years, however we know that more can be done to reduce the impact of future event similar to the flash flooding and power outage that impacted Gannawarra Shire on Christmas Day 2023 and early January 2024,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

During the past few weeks work has occurred throughout the southeastern section of Kerang to install an underground pipe and series of pits to capture and remove storm water from the end of Croton Street.

The overflow system, which utilises the old railway dam for temporary storage, has also been improved in the area to allow more water to flow into the dam and ease flooding of the streets.

“This overflow system will reduce the pressure on Kerang’s stormwater system when major rain events occur, such as those experienced during Christmas Day 2023 and at the start of 2024” Mr Rollinson said.

ABOVE: Pipes have been installed, connecting the Croton Street section of Kerang's stormwater network to the town's former railway dam.

Council has also purchased two diesel-fuelled high volume, trailer-mounted pumps that can be used to move water when required.

“The Christmas Day 2023 flash flooding and town electricity outage highlighted the need for Council to have additional diesel-powered pumps to help move water,” Mr Rollinson said.

“These trailer-mounted pumps can be used anywhere throughout the municipality, which will benefit all residents.”

Additional improvements to urban stormwater networks will continue throughout 2024/25, with planning for projects and the sourcing of additional funding ongoing.

TOP: Work has occurred to improve the ability for Kerang's stormwater network to capture and remove water from the end of Croton Street.